Into the Ashes: Cosmos Cafe, RIP

John Nova Lomax just did a column on the smoking ban’s effect on bars and music venues. The opinions of the musicians and bar owners he spoke with were decidedly mixed. Some loved the ban; some hated it; some didn’t care. But its effect on one Houston institution has been deadly.

Poor Cosmos Cafe is closing, and owner Pete Pallas cites the smoking ban as one reason for it. In fact, today is the last day to hang out in the laidback atmosphere of Cosmos Café, have a burger and a beer, and take in one last show, by blues guitarist Seth Walker. Tomorrow the place shuts down. RIP, Cosmos. – Cathy Matusow